Edinburgh’s worst roads named and shamed by Eagle Couriers

The worst roads in Edinburgh have been named and shamed by a leading courier firm which says it is spending £24,000 a year repairing damage to its vehicles caused by potholes.

West Port, Charlotte Square and the Western Approach Road have been named by delivery drivers at Eagle Couriers as having some of the worst potholes and broken tarmac in the city.

Drivers at the firm which is Scotland’s largest independent courier, warns the main problem is that poor repairs are being carried out on existing potholes, which simply makes the problem worse.

And they also warn that if the road resurfacing on Edinburgh’s new tram lines is not done to a sufficient standard, there will be even more problems for drivers in the future.

Eagle Couriers estimates the poor state of the roads is costing an additional £300 per vehicle, to replace tyres, springs and shock absorbers – a total of £24,000 a year for its 80 drivers.

Drivers are out on the roads 24/7 delivering to its 3500 strong client base. It has 30 years experience on Scotland’s roads yet says they are in their worst-ever state.

Jerry Stewart, Director at Eagle Couriers said: “The biggest problem is that there are repairs being done that are substandard. Many of the potholes seem to be caused by previous work such as laying pipes which subsides a few months later.

“Potholes are being filled poorly. Often all that has been done is a bag of tarmac with some resin is poured into the hole, and a couple of dunts with a hammer or so-called levelling tool and there we have it. We’re left with something resembling a patchwork quilt the height of a Munro. Then when it rains we’re back to square one.

“This all causes problems for vehicles which need new springs, shock absorbers and tyres. Often steering wheels get put out alignment and they have to go back to the garage for adjustment. It all adds up to about £300 extra a year per vehicle.

“Our drivers are also worried that the road resurfacing around the new tram lines will cause problems if it is not done to a sufficiently high standard.”

The worst roads in Edinburgh include West Port, between the traffic lights at Lady Lawson Street to the Grassmarket, which is littered with pot holes and loose, rutted surfaces.

Eagle Courier drivers also warn pot holes are a big problem on the Western Approach Road, on Great Junction St, on Corstorphine High Street and at the Hermiston Gait roundabout.

Westfield Road has problems with its road surfacing despite being relaid twice in recent months.

And there are problems with utility covers on Charlotte Square, Sir Harry Lauder Road, Walker Street North and the Calder Road.

Established in 1985 Eagle Couriers has almost 30 years experience in the safe and quick logistics services to organisations across the private, public and third sectors, as well as working directly with consumers.

In total, they provide services to over 3,500 clients, utilising vehicles from their 100 vehicle fleet ensuring clients’ packages arrive on time and intact.